The terms alien abduction or abduction phenomenon describe

"subjectively real memories of being taken secretly against one's will

by apparently nonhuman entities and subjected to complex
physical and psychological procedures".[1] Such abductions have
sometimes been classified as close encounters of the fourth kind.
People claiming to have been abducted are usually called
"abductees"[2] or "experiencers".

Due to a lack of objective physical evidence, most scientists and

mental health professionals dismiss the phenomenon as
"deception, suggestibility (fantasy-proneness,
hypnotizability, false memory syndrome), personality, sleep
paralysis, psychopathology, psychodynamics [and] environmental
factors".[3] Skeptic Robert Sheaffer sees similarity between the
aliens depicted in science fiction films, in particular, Invaders From
Mars, and some of those reported to have actually abducted
people.[4]

Typical claims involve being subjected to

forced medical examinations that emphasize
abductee reproductive systems.[5]Abductees sometimes claim to
have been warned against environmental abuse and the dangers
of nuclear weapons.[6] While many of these claimed encounters are
described as terrifying, some have been viewed as pleasurable or
transformative.

The first alleged alien abduction claim to be widely publicized was

the Betty and Barney Hill abduction in 1961.[7] Reports of the
abduction phenomenon have been made around the world, but are
most common in English speaking countries, especially the United
States.[4] The contents of the abduction narrative often seem to
vary with the home culture of the alleged abductee.[4]

Alien abductions have been the subject of conspiracy

theories and science fiction storylines (notably The X-Files) that
have speculated on stealth technology required if the phenomenon
were real, the motivations for secrecy, and that alien
implants could be a possible form of physical evidence.

Contents

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1Overview
2History
2.1Paleo-abductions
 2.2Contactees
2.3Two landmark cases
2.4Later developments
2.4.1John E. Mack
3Abductees
3.1Demographics
3.2Mental health
3.3Paranormal
4The abduction narrative
4.1Capture
4.2Examination
4.3Subsequent abduction procedures
4.3.1Child presentation
4.4Less common elements
4.5Return
4.6Realization event
5Trauma and recovery
5.1Support groups
6The role of hypnosis
6.1Argument against the use of hypnosis
6.2Argument for the use of hypnosis
7Perspectives
8Testimonials
8.1Attempts at confirmation
9Notable abduction claims
10Notable figures
11See also
12Footnotes
13Further reading
14External links

Overview[edit]
CUFOS definition of an abductee[8]
A person must be taken:

Against his or her will

From terrestrial surroundings
By non-human beings.